*The home of the First A.M.E.
Church in the Midwest*
Brooklyn's
History As Written in 1987
By Historian
Layfayette S. White Sr.
150 years ago
Brooklyn was barren wilderness of underbrush and stately trees.
Some 11 families forged the muddy Mississippi and set foot on the
East bank, some seeking refuge, while others were looking for a
new lease on life and what it had to offer.
In 1825 during the month of June when a traveling (Black) God man
by the name of Rev. William Paul Quinn directed his sights on
this little area called Brooklyn. This mission was founded in the
home of John and Priscilla Baltimore along with Thomas Allsworth
and Shadrack Steward whose sweat until they gave Brooklyn its
first church known as the Quinn Chapel A.M.E. made of logs but
later transoformed into its present edifice. The Antioch M.B.
Church as mighty oaks along with Rev. Quinn when history has been
erased by mortal beings dated beyond 100 years of service.
During the year1837, this designated area known as Brooklyn was
laid out and plated.
On the eighth day of July, 1873, a petition was filed to the
County Judge, signed (40) forty legal voters for the
incorporation of the plated town of Brooklyn as a village, under
the laws of the state of Illinois, and as result an election was
ordered by the County Judge to be held in the town of Brooklyn,IL
for or against the incorporation of Brooklyn as a village on the
30th day of July, 1873 as it appears in the record book at
Belleville,IL (now it appears the records have disappeared).
Time marches on as is told in 1927 we witnessed the running of
the streetcar through the village of Brooklyn. Later achievements
on record: the completion of a $160,000.00 sewer project, a
$425,000.00 Civic Building and Brooklyn had its first housing
units.
The two story red brick school erected in 1878 yet stands and is
currently owned by the Masonic Lodge (has been destroyed). The
well known Albert "Blues Boy" King is a resident of
Brooklyn (since deceased). Lewis Boatner former singer with the
Inkspots singing group was a resident of Brooklyn. The late
Madame C.J. Walker founded the Paro College of Beauty Culture on
the site of the Northeast Corner of Fourth and Madison Streets.
The college is presently located in Chicago, Il. Annie Malone had
her school for children in Brooklyn.
AN ALL
BLACK BROOKLYN
Population shifts have resulted in many mostly black towns in the
U.S. But Brooklyn, Il near St. Louis, MO, was created all black
from the start and remains that way to this day. Founded by
runaway slaves in 1858. Brooklyn, also known as Lovejoy, was
incorporated as a town in 1873 and grew steadily thereafter. As
its early leaders saw it, the key to prosperity and happiness was
steering clear of Whites. Apparently they were on to something.
By the turn of the century, Black Brooklyn boasted a thriving
business district, with a few whites among the general population
of 1900; but while they were permitted to vote, they rarely ran
for public office. Nor were there any white doctors or police
officers (but now there are 50%, due to minium wage salaries).
The schools were segregated at the insistence of the Black
majority and operated under the separated but equal principle.
Brooklyn is no longer a showcase of middle-class stability, but
it remains largely free of the racial tensions that plague
conventional towns. Note: Parade Magazine April 17, 1983, Page 19
Notes in Reference to
Recent Brooklyn
Bethabara Non Profit Corporation is in partnership with
the township of Stites, the citizens and Aldermatic Board. The
president/CEO Rev. Charles T. Boatner was elected this past
summer, 1999 to be the town planner. Brooklyn, doesn't have the
money it actually needs to run its government. Because of the
deeds of previous government officials. They have a volunteer
fire department with a borrowed fire truck. The police department
are not citizens of the town because the town is paying minimum.
There isn't any a real economic base. Due to the fact of the two
counties (St Clair and Madison) taking over and attempting to
take the land from these residents. The Children are mostly into
vice such as selling drugs to live. Only four children graduated
from High School and five from elementary School. There aren't
any instruments for music. There are stip joints and brothals.
Churches on every corner. There isn't a library or Museum. They
just recently received four computers for the town of 1244
population. This is the oldest Black town in the nation and we
feel that it is due it's recognition. There isn't any signs of
Brooklyn on any National map, in the Historical Register, in any
history books, in the National Underground Museum. To make it
simple.....anywhere. It is Bethabara's job to change all of this.
Brooklyn needs help and Bethabara needs your help. If any of you
are previous residence of Brooklyn it is time to do your job in
preserving this story and the wealth of this community. It is
time for you to lend a helping hand. You can do this by sending
donations to Brooklyn through Bethabara Non Profit Corporation.
Please make donations in care of:
Bethabara Non Profit Corporation
P.O. Box 63
Lovejoy, IL. 62059
Or inform us of grants that are available to help this community,
our home. If you know of any grants : Buganda Proverb: The humble pay for the mistakes of their
betters Remember:Charity begins at home